Jen on the Swim Bike Run

A love letter to my bike

Dear Bike,

You are the one--my ticket to ride, my youth serum, my speed rush.  I haven't even given you a name and yet I love you.  All it took was 25 miles on a beautiful day to remind me of how perfect we are together.

I remember nearly ten years ago I was cycling through Tuscany on a Women's Quest trip--with a different bike.  It was kind of a hybrid with straight bars (I was trasitioning from mountain biking to road cycling) and it was heavy.  As I rode the hills of Montalcino--grinding all the way-- cycling great Connie Carpenter said to me, "Girlfriend, you need to get yourself a real bike."  Three years ago I was upset when someone stole that bike out of my garage while I was recovering from a broken foot--but then I wouldn't have you.

My aim on Saturday was to take it slow--the Trekwoman Breast Cancer Awareness Ride was just that--a ride, not a race.  And though I tried to take it leisurely, craving the opportunity to chat with friends along the way, I couldn't help but put on some speed--not a lot, just a little.  It is your fault--you make me want to charge up hills.  A 16mph pace feels like standing still--you make me want to find a steady groove at 20mph.  And for a while it was just you and me and the wind--glorious!

As good as it felt, I know that isn't real speed.  I have so far to go in cycling.  It is time to ditch the toe clips.  This winter we are going to get closer than ever.  Once I get the trainer set up again and put the clipless pedals on you--it will be ON!  You and me. 

And I'll be honest and make my confession up front--I have been looking at others.  I know, I know, I've already professed my love, how can I be so fickle?  I think you'd love the Orbea Dama with the compact crankset as much as I do--you can be BFFs or sister wives.  But don't worry--I won't be bringing her home anytime soon, I just wanted to be up front about my fantasies.

So thank you.  Thank you for an incredibly fun year of cycling the roads of Central New York.  For the races and the rides that help me remember how great a two-wheeled ride can be.  And for showing me that all that talk about "being one with the bike" is totally real--I get it.  Other bikes will come and go but know that you'll always be "the ONE that did it for me."

Love always,

Jennifer

Make it rain baby!

There are so many great triathlon blogs to read out there one needs to make sure it doesn't interfere with training.  But check out DC Rainmaker who is having a give-away of the Garmin  Forerunner 310XT.  Ray's blog is my new go-to resource for in depth reviews on all kinds of gear that I covet.  Check it out, post a comment, and get in this game--you just may win!

And good luck to all those racing the Skinnyman Tri (and all the other races) in Skaneateles this weekend!

Shedding Gear

One of the great things about triathlon is what it has done for my health.  I used to think that getting older meant that recovering the health and vigor of one's youth was no longer possible.  Instead I've found that I'm in better shape than I've ever been.  Ever.

I'm so thankful for that and am encouraged to stay on the healthy path by all of the amazing men and women of every size, shape, and age who get out there day after day to swim, bike and run. 

But there have been casualties. 

Yesterday's rain storm reminded me of the need to prepare for the cold and rainy/snowy days to come.  I noticed that my closet is now full of some great technical clothing that I no longer need.  Some of it new.  I've loved these clothes and either never had a chance to wear them or only had a few wears because they became too large.  They are all practically new (except for the EMS jacket) and I can no longer stand the thought of them wasting away in my closet when someone--you or a friend--may be able to wear them.

So I offer them here--prices are as listed or best offer (OBO).  Whatever doesn't get snatched up here will be given away to The Rescue Mission.  If you are interested in something, email me at JLBASKER (at) SYR (dot) EDU. 

ASICS Storm Shelter Jacket  SOLD

Fantastic for winter.  360 degree reflectivity, front and back venting, 2 exterior pockets with one interior pocket for MP3 player. 

Brooks Motion Jacket, Womens XL.  Brand new.  Purchased in 2008.  $30 OBO  SOLD

Two exterior pockets, one interior pocket for MP3 player.  Non-quilted, stretch side panels.

 
Columbia Titanium Soft shell.  Women's L. Three exterior pockets-one on sleeve, adjustable cuffs.  $15 OBO.  SOLD

ASICS softshell jacket.  Women's L.  Three exterior pockets, one on chest.  Microfleece lining.  $10 OBO  SOLD

Sugoi Zap Jacket. Women's L.  Water and wind resistant, two exterior pockets, 360 reflectivity.  $10 OBO  SOLD

 
Outdoor Research Solitude Jacket, softshell.  Women's XL. Three exterior pockets, one on forearm sleeve.  $10 OBO    SOLD

  
EMS Soft shell.  Women's XL.  Coordinates with EMS SYNC series.  Exterior chest pockets, underarm venting, adjustable cuffs.  $10 OBO  SOLD